Page 56 of Never a Proper Lady

Having been discreetly apprised of the argument by Constantine, all the Kellinggraves covertly looked for Faith. No one asked what had transpired, but that didn’t prevent his family from exchanging questioning glances.

Constantine puffed out a lungful of air.

Where the blazes was Faith, then?

It wasn’t like her to sulk or hide, although he’d certainly given her reason to avoid him.

He’d done that in London too, though he’d used a different, unsuccessful tact. Shouldn’t he be relieved and rejoicing that she’d given her notice?

Leopold hadn’t said a word of reproach, but the censure in the cool gaze he gave Constantine when he’d informed their mother of the quarrel seared him with shame.

Honestly, Constantine didn’t know what he could say to make recompense. He’d spoken a partial truth. Faith had been a pain in his bum and a source of frustration.

She wasn’t any longer—at least not in the same manner.

Regardless, Faith Roth could aggravate the very devil with her sharp wit and eviscerating reposits, but what had once provoked Constantine’s ire, he now considered one of her strengths. Confidence and self-assurance were something to be admired.

Faith could not leave Dovetonwick Court without talking to him. He wouldn’t permit it, no matter her reluctance to see him. Constantine had made a grievous error, and he must apologize and somehow make it right.

How, he had no idea.

“No luck?” Leopold strolled in, his slightly rumpled jacket unbuttoned and a finger’s worth of amber liquid in the glass he held. What the devil had he been doing to be in such a sorry state? He also perused the stables with his keen gaze. “Cedric’s arrived. Thought you’d want to know.”

Probably laughing himself to next Sunday at Constantine’s predicament. For surely someone in the family had decided the middle Kellinggrave brother must be made aware of the fiasco.

Though they both lived in London, Constantine didn’t see Cedric often. When he called upon his brother, most of the time, he was told Lieutenant Lord Cedric Kellinggrave was away from London on official business.

On a covert assignment, Constantine would wager.

“Oh, and Camberg-Trainer is looking for you,” Leopold added before finishing the contents of his tumbler. “The fellow is in quite a dither.”

Constantine’s heart quickened.

Mayhap Harvey knew Faith’s whereabouts.

“Let me know if you see anything, Magnus.” Constantine rubbed his nose, suddenly bone weary. “Ask the other chaps to be alert too.”

He doubted Faith would try to abscond with a horse, but desperate times and all of that rot.

Magnus scratched behind his ear. “Aye, sir.”

As Constantine strode toward the house, Leopold ambled beside him. “You’re certainly in a sorry state for someone who only a short while ago professed his adamant desire to be rid of a certain mulish, opinionated termagant.”

Constantine stopped mid-stride and pivoted to face his brother. “I know you find this highly amusing. I, however, do not. I hurt Faith, and that was never my intention. In point of fact, I respect her.”

“Yes, that was abundantly clear.” With a cocky grin, Leopold held up his glass in a mock salute. “I’d seek my mattress, but I cannot in good conscience embrace slumber with your Miss Roth missing. Deuced honor and all of that rot.”

“I must find her, Leo.”

Leopold threw an arm around Constantine’s shoulder. “We shall, old chap. We shall.”

They avoided the terrace, taking the route they had earlier in the evening, coming upon a couple partially hidden by shrubberies and the terrace wall in an intimate embrace.

Leopold elbowed Constantine and spoke low. “Is that our licentious cousin?”

Constantine squinted at the groping couple, who were still unaware they were being observed. “Indeed, and I believe that is Miss Breadalbane he’s pawing. The chit cannot be more than seventeen.”

“Martin has never been reluctant about despoiling innocents.” Disgust weighted Leopold’s tenor. “One of these days, he’ll find himself on the field of honor.”

“Ahem.” Constantine cleared his throat loudly.

Martin and Miss Breadalbane sprang apart guiltily. Giggling, the chit covered her mouth before fluttering her fingers in a farewell wave then dashed away. Martin glowered, searching for Constantine concealed in the shadows, then sauntered off.

Constantine and Leopold continued on their way and entered the study, just as they had what seemed a lifetime ago. Constantine stopped so abruptly that Leopold plowed into his back.

Faith.